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Ducted aircon North Brisbane
Ducted air conditioning across North Brisbane
Ducted quotes are the hardest to compare: different units, zones, outlets and ducting on every one. Skip that. One vetted ducted installer inspects your roof space and quotes properly, in writing.
- Licence and insurance already checked
- One ducted specialist, no ring-around
- Heat-load sizing, quoted upfront
Tell us the job. We’ll send the right aircon tech.
30 seconds. Free, no obligation, no chasing.
Ducted air conditioning, done properly the first time
Ducted is a big spend, and it’s where the usual ring-around hurts most. Every installer wants a site visit, so that’s three mornings gone, and the quotes come back with different capacities, different numbers of zones and different controllers. Comparing them is close to impossible, and the one that looks like a bargain often leaves out the bits that matter.
Breathe out. We send one vetted ducted installer who inspects the roof space, works out the heat load and quotes the whole system upfront in writing, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
A ducted system uses one large indoor unit, usually in the roof space, connected to flexible ducting that runs to ceiling vents in each room. A return-air grille, usually in the hallway, draws air back to the unit. The outdoor unit sits beside the house like a large split system condenser. You control the whole system from one wall controller or an app.
Zoning is what makes ducted practical. Motorised dampers open and close the ducts to each area, so you can cool the bedrooms at night and the living areas during the day without paying to condition the whole house. Some controllers let each room have its own temperature setting.
Ducted systems are popular in North Brisbane’s newer estates such as North Lakes, Mango Hill and Warner, where homes are often built with roof space and a layout that suits ducting. Plenty of established homes in Aspley, Albany Creek and Bridgeman Downs have them retrofitted too. Highset Queenslanders and homes with very low roof pitch can be harder, and some suit an underfloor installation or a mix of ducted and split systems instead.
The difference
Getting ducted the usual way vs. with us
The usual way
- Three site visits, three mornings off
- Quotes for different capacities and zones
- Ductwork, controller and outlets lost in the fine print
- No idea who’s licensed for what
With Air Conditioning North Brisbane
- One site visit with one vetted installer
- Sized from a heat-load check of your home
- A written quote listing unit, zones, outlets and controller
- Licences and insurance checked before they join
Is ducted right for your home?
Ducted isn’t for everyone. These are the things a contractor will look at before quoting.
Roof space
The indoor unit and ducts need enough height and access in the roof cavity. Low-pitched or skillion roofs may not have room.
How many rooms you cool
If you regularly cool four or more rooms, ducted often makes more sense than several split systems.
Electrical capacity
Larger ducted units draw more power. Some older homes need a switchboard upgrade or a check on supply capacity.
Room layout
Return air and vent placement depend on the floor plan. Open-plan homes and long hallways both affect the design.
Budget
Ducted costs more up front than a couple of splits. It can pay off where you would otherwise need four or five units.
Look and noise
There are no wall units and the indoor unit sits out of sight, which many people prefer in living areas and bedrooms.
Costs
Ducted air conditioning costs in Brisbane
Ducted pricing varies more than splits because each system is designed for the house. These ranges cover supply and installation of a reverse cycle system.
| Job | Indicative cost | What affects it |
|---|---|---|
| Small home, 2–3 bedrooms, basic zoning | $8,000–$14,000 | Single storey with good roof access |
| 4+ bedrooms, zoned with smart controller | $12,000–$22,000 | Larger units, more outlets and zones |
| Replacing old ductwork (whole house) | $1,900–$6,000 | Often needed on systems over 15–20 years old |
| Ducted system service | $200–$550 | Per system |
Indicative only, GST inclusive, based on published Brisbane pricing guides at the time of writing. These are not our prices. Two-storey homes, difficult roof access and premium brands cost more. Get a written quote.
How it works
What happens when you request a ducted quote
01
Send your enquiry
Tell us your suburb, the number of bedrooms and living areas, whether it’s single or double storey and whether you have an existing system.
02
Site inspection
The contractor checks the roof space, switchboard, room sizes, insulation, window orientation and where the outdoor unit can go.
03
System design and quote
You get a written quote showing the unit capacity, number of zones and outlets, controller, and anything excluded.
04
Installation
A typical retrofit takes one to three days, depending on the house. The contractor commissions the system and shows you how to use the zones.
Common questions
Ducted air conditioning FAQs
Can ducted air conditioning be added to an existing house?
Usually yes, if there is enough roof space for the indoor unit and duct runs. The contractor will check the roof cavity during the quote visit. Lowset brick homes with a standard pitched roof are often straightforward. Highset homes may be able to go underfloor, and very low-pitched roofs may suit split systems better.
What size ducted system do I need?
Ducted systems for Brisbane homes commonly range from about 10 kW for a smaller three-bedroom home to 18 kW or more for larger two-storey homes. The right size depends on floor area, ceiling height, insulation, glazing and how many zones run at once. Ask for a heat-load calculation rather than a size picked from floor area alone.
Is ducted cheaper to run than split systems?
It depends how you use it. If you cool most of the house most of the time, a zoned ducted system can be as efficient as several splits. If you usually only cool one room, a split will be cheaper to run. Good zoning and sensible temperature settings, around 24 to 25 degrees in summer, make the biggest difference.
How long does a ducted installation take?
A single-storey retrofit is often done in one to two days. Two-storey homes, homes needing a switchboard upgrade, or jobs replacing old ductwork can take longer. In a new build, ducting is installed during the frame and roof stage and the system is commissioned near completion.
Can I keep my old ducting when I replace the unit?
Sometimes. Ducting in reasonable condition can be reused, which saves money. Older flexible ducting can sag, split or lose insulation, and older systems may have ducts sized for a different capacity. The contractor should inspect it and tell you whether reuse is sensible.
What zoning controller should I choose?
Common options include the manufacturer’s own controller and third-party systems such as MyAir and AirTouch. Features to look for are the number of zones, app control, scheduling and individual room temperature sensing. The contractor can explain what works with the unit they are quoting.
Skip the ring-around
Ducted, minus the stuffing around
Tell us about your home. We’ll send the right ducted installer, and they’ll call you to book a look and quote.
Tell us the job. We’ll send the right aircon tech.
30 seconds. Free, no obligation, no chasing.